San Jose Sharks center Michael Misa and Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares had a similar path to the NHL.
Both grew up in Oakville, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto, played in the Ontario Hockey League, and were top picks in the NHL Draft. Tavares was selected first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009. The Sharks’ rookie missed the first matchup against the Maple Leafs last December due to his preparation for the World Juniors and a rehab from an ankle injury.
On Thursday, Misa got to play Tavares for the first time and found himself slightly star-struck. Although his focus remains on the San Jose Sharks, Misa told SHD he’s always looking to pick up little things against the league’s best.
“He was a player I watched growing up. He went through a similar path to me and junior [hockey]. Kind of following his footsteps in a way,” Misa said. “It was pretty cool to see him out there and [see] what he does.”
Tavares would score the only goal for Toronto in the game, his 29th goal of the season.
Tavares would lead the game in face-offs taken between both teams with 21. The Leafs centerman won 13 of them, including two against Misa. Misa’s growth in face-offs has been a big emphasis for him throughout the year. Through 44 games, Misa has won 44.8% of his draws, but he went 0-for-2 against Tavares and was not shocked.
Misa told SHD that he spoke to San Jose Sharks assistant coach Jeff Ulmer before the game about face-offs against Tavares and still couldn’t beat him, despite knowing what to expect.
“I took two face-offs, one in the second and one in the third, and he won both. He’s one of the best in the league, one of the best face-off guys on their team,” Misa said. “[Ulmer] was telling me before the game what he does. I was trying to get in the way and try to get my body in it, but yeah, he’s got it down pat.”
Misa explained that Tavares uses his strength and size to move his stick out of the way before going after the puck.
“It was just how strong he was on his stick. He went to my stick first before the puck to get it out of the way,” Misa said. “Trying to battle that back, it was tough. I gotta learn on that.”
The Sharks center has played 37 games this season and watched many top NHL centers play at the top of their game. Although it might be difficult to pick up what an opponent is doing, Misa knows he can still learn from his matchups.
“We play a little differently. He’s bigger, stronger, a power forward. He’s really good at protecting the puck, and his vision is elite. Everything he does is pretty elite,” Misa said about Tavares. “You want to watch guys like that. Pick up stuff whenever you can. He’s an awesome player.”
Misa has a chance to go against another long-time elite NHL center in Steven Stamkos on Saturday against the Nashville Predators.
